It is necessary to announce a lost item in public gatherings

Question: I found fifty riyals, and I asked a shaykh, and he said: give it in charity on behalf of its owner. Another shaykh said: hand it over to the security. We are living in the military guesthouse, and there is security at the door. What should I do?

Answer: Announce it at the mosque in public gatherings; say: Who has the money? Who has the money? Because a lost item in Makkah is not yours to keep; you only have to announce it. And fifty riyals has some significance. Otherwise, give it to the security, as they are the ones responsible, or give it to the court, which is better. But announcing it is preferable. You announce it: Who has the money? Who has the money? Twice, three times, or four times a month, or leave it in its place. Otherwise, give it to the court, which is safer. Give it to the court, and they will place it with the lost items.